The biggest shocker on the world stage without a doubt came in the form of one Mr Donald J. Trump, who bulldozed over one very, very ambitious Hillary Rodham Clinton in the November United States Presidential Election by gobbling up the lion's share of electoral votes-this despite her securing nearly 3 million more in the popular vote territory. A final desperate attempt to sway majority of the electoral college into voting for the former Secretary of State obviously proved senselessly futile, as even more electors ran away from Clinton as compared to Trump on Monday, 19 December 2016. What lies in store for everyone as the Trump administration takes charge next January? Will he deliver on his isolationist threats in a bid to put the great back in America once more? Or will he take a step away from all the pompous election rhetoric and strike a more conciliatory stance with the rest of the world? What exactly will Time magazine's person of the year (anointed "President of the Divided States of America") do as the new incoming Commander-In-Chief? It's anyone's guess. But if anything is certain, it sure as hell will be that Mr Trump isn't always going to play by the rules.

The New incoming US President. Imaginary devil's horns or not, suck it up. (Image Credit: Time Magazine)

While grandma Hillary is sobbing away loudly, at least she can take comfort in the fact the FBI have decided to close the investigation into the e-mail scandal without pressing any criminal charges. Understandably, her supporters are not taking things lying down, demanding for heads to roll (in particular FBI director James Comey's) on grounds her campaign was somewhat derailed no thanks to last minute baseless assertions raised by the Feds. Still, she is free to roam and ain't gotten her ass thrown into jail - isn't that cause for cheer? Maybe she should consider the much more unfortunate circumstance of Korea's President Park Geun-hye and count her blessings. President Park has fallen into a shithole so deep as a consequence of getting way too chummy and trusting with a Choi Soon Sil, to the extent numerous accusations have been volleyed at her for being tediously manipulated by Choi, both mind and soul. Her political career is now pretty much in tatters after majority of standing MPs voted to have her impeached. Hundreds of public apologies aside, her nightmares have only just begun. She will need a lot more than good luck and a steady stream of prayers to tide her over.

Clearly female leaders aren't having it easy in 2016. Another case in point: German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faltered big time in the September elections, culminating in her losing governmental control of Berlin. Then only just very recently, the deadly truck attack at a Christmas market led Germany's far-right leaders to pin the blame squarely on her seemingly over liberal migrant policy.

On a lighter, completely irrelevant note, Darth Vader returns to the big screen in a Star Wars flick reasoned to have taken place between episodes III and IV. He didn't disappoint as James Earl Jones voiced him once more with the menace and cruelty expected of a longtime cult villain. And that one scene where he showed up to effortlessly slaughter them rebels sure makes it more than worth the ticket admission price. Beyond that, congratulations to martial arts superstar Donnie Yen for becoming the first Asian to have a Star Wars Hot Toys action figurine produced in his likeness. Step aside Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

I'm one with the Force. The Force is with me. So is Hot Toys. (Image Credit: Hot Toys)

Still on the topic of rock-stars and movie gods, Bob Dylan was quite literally rendered "speechless" after it was made known that he had won this year's Nobel Prize in Literature. For two whole weeks following the official announcement by the Swedish Academy, he kept completely mum and made no acknowledgement of his win whatsoever, leading many to chastise him as being rude and arrogant. In any case, he has also confirmed that he will be a no-show for the actual presentation ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden due to pre-existing commitments. Being a prick once more? You decide.

2016 also marked the departure of numerous famed celebrities and well loved country leaders from this world, including actors Carrie Fisher (of the Star Wars movies) and Alan Rickman (of the Die Hard and Harry potter movies), musicians David Bowie, Prince and George Michael, as well as the highly revered Thailand King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Such is the frailty of life, and the eventuality of death which ensnares each and everyone of us. May their souls rest in peace.

Now that we are sufficiently warmed up, I reckon it is an opportune moment to begin examining events that have taken place during the course of the year and impacted the scientific and educational communities significantly. Shall we?

In a much sincere effort to deliver the gift of education to refugee students, The Platform for Education in Emergencies Response (PEER) was established.. While current endeavors are mainly focused on helping those trapped in the Syrian crisis, the longer term aim is to eventually being able to reach out to the needy in every corner of the world. Kudos to the brains behind this lofty vision.

Over here in Singapore, there is much to celebrate. Young swimming ace Joseph Schooling won the nation's first Olympic gold medal ever when he pipped American Olympic legend Michael Phelps to finish first in the 100m Butterfly event at this year's Rio Olympic games. Paralympians Yip Pin Xiu and Theresa Goh subsequently brought an equal measure of pride to the little red dot when they netted two golds and a bronze respectively at the Rio Paralympics shortly after.

And as they say, that's all folks. I have served up as much as I possibly can in one single breath, so it is only fair I am allowed to retire a bit for now. As always, I hope you have taken something away from all the ramblings here. Wishing everyone out there a blessed Christmas, and a happy 2017. Peace.